Most of us already know the benefits of breast milk for feeding a baby, but did you know it has other uses — both medicinal and cosmetic?
The immunologic agents found in human milk help fight against bacteria, viruses and parasites. According to Dr. Sears, one drop of breast milk contains one million white blood cells whose main job is to fight germs. The best part of this natural medicine? It’s a free, sustainable resource with no wonky side effects.
Take a look at some uses for breast milk beyond feeding the baby.
1. Treat an ear infection
Those amazing antibodies in your breast milk can fight off ear infections, which occur most often in children ages 6 months to 18 months. Dr. Joseph Mercola recommends putting about 3 to 4 drops at the entrance of the ear canal every few hours. The infection should clear up within 24 to 48 hours. Some moms follow the breast milk with bottled garlic mullein oil.
2. Clear up acne
Scientists have discovered that lauric acid, a component of breast milk, has antibacterial, acne-fighting qualities. Dabbing breast milk (or a mixture of breast milk and coconut oil, another source of lauric acid) on your face, then letting it air dry, may help clear up acne. Some people wash their faces with breast milk to prevent future breakouts. If you want to try it, first wash your face with clear water, wash again with breast milk, and wipe it away with a clean towel.
3. Soothe teething pain
This easy option involves pouring some of your expressed breast milk into popsicle molds and freezing it. When your little one is crying with teething pain, whip out a milk popsicle (sometimes called “momsicles”) for instant and nutritional soothing.
4. Heal diaper rash
Breast milk contains natural moisturizers that speed the healing process. Wash the affected area with clear water first. Then rub breast milk on the rash and let it fully dry before re-diapering. Breast milk can also help take the itch out of bug bites, chicken pox and some forms of eczema. Love DIY projects? Try this recipe for making bars of breast milk soap.
5. Heal cuts and scrapes
With its natural antiseptic properties, breast milk can be placed on a minor cut to reduce burning and stinging. The antibody IgA prevents germs from forming on the wound and helps speed healing. Apply the milk with a cotton pad and allow it to fully dry.
6. Make cheese
Around the world, cheese is produced from all different kinds of milk including cow, goat and sheep. So why not human milk? Conservation-minded chef Daniel Angerer experimented with making cheese from his wife’s large stash of pumped breast milk and found out it’s possible. Check out his tutorial if you’re curious to try it out yourself.
What are some other amazing uses for breast milk? Let me know in the comments section!